Kirkby incident under investigation
A DETAILED investigation has been launched after Merseyrail Class 507 EMU 507006 overran the buffers at Kirkby on March 13. The train in question was forming the 1835 Liverpool Central to Kirkby on the Northern Line and according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch the train approached the station at around 42mph before an emergency brake application was made. Although the speed was reduced, the train hit and overran the buffers, coming to rest beneath the bridge, mid-way along the station. Reports suggest that 12 people sustained minor injuries, although the damage to the EMU was significant. Given that it is to be replaced shortly by new Class 777s it is unlikely to be repaired.
Service to Kirkby resumed on March 22 following repairs to the infrastructure. ROG provided Class 37 37884 to help pull the damaged train free and remove it from the site. The RAIB has stated it will examine the performance of the train and the infrastructure, anything that might have influenced the train driver’s actions, the training, supervision and management of Merseyrail drivers, and any relevant underlying issues. The driver was arrested immediately after the incident, although it is unclear if he has been charged.